Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 30, 2026
BATAVIA SIDEWALK PROJECT TO BRING TREE REMOVALS, NEW PLANTINGS
New, wider sidewalks are coming to parts of Batavia this summer, but the project will also mean the removal of about 20 mature trees along Williams, Soccio, Buell and North Lyon streets.
City officials say the sidewalks will be expanded to four to five feet wide to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Public Works officials say many of the trees are already in poor condition, while others would likely not survive construction because of damage to their root systems.
Some residents have expressed concern about losing the shade and character the mature trees provide, and worry replacement trees will take decades to reach the same size.
The city says an arborist evaluated each tree before removal. New Bradford pear, sycamore and locust trees are scheduled to be planted this fall, and officials are encouraging residents to help them thrive through regular watering and care.
LE ROY TEACHER, BOARD MEMBER RESIGN
The Le Roy Board of Education has accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Mrs. Bertrand, who also led the Senior High School Learning Center.
School officials say Bertrand resigned for personal reasons after being reassigned to an elementary classroom for the 2026-27 school year following a retirement vacancy. Superintendent Merritt Holly says the Learning Center will continue, but with a different staffing model. An online petition supporting Bertrand gathered attention earlier this month, with students praising her work and urging the district to keep her in the program.
The board also accepted the resignation of board member Christine Dowell, who is stepping down because she is moving out of the district. Her term was set to expire at the end of 2027.
SUPREME COURT EXPANDS PRESIDENTIAL POWER OVER FEDERAL AGENCIES
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that presidents have broad authority to remove the heads of most independent federal agencies, handing President Donald Trump a major victory.
In a 6-to-3 decision, the court overturned a 91-year-old precedent that had limited a president’s power to fire agency leaders without cause. The ruling applies to agencies including the Federal Trade Commission, National Labor Relations Board and Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The one exception is the Federal Reserve. In a separate 5-to-4 ruling, the court allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain in her position while she challenges Trump’s attempt to remove her over allegations of mortgage fraud, which she denies.
The decision is expected to significantly expand presidential authority over independent federal agencies while preserving the Federal Reserve’s independence—for now.
MUCKDOGS EDGE SALT CATS, HEAD BACK TO CANADA TONIGHT
The Batavia Muckdogs picked up a tight 3-2 exhibition win over the Syracuse Salt Cats Monday night.
Batavia’s pitching and defense held strong in a low-scoring matchup, while the offense did just enough to come away with the victory.
The Muckdogs now return to regular season play tonight as they head north of the border to face the Niagara Ironbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30.
Batavia will look to carry momentum from Monday’s win into another road test against Niagara.
